How much does braces cost for adults?
Braces can be worn at any age. Adults sometimes choose to have their teeth corrected as well. Often, they opt for traditional braces or 'invisible' braces. There are different types of braces for adults than for children. Additionally, the reimbursement process is slightly different.
How much is reimbursed for braces for adults?
For children who start orthodontics before the age of 15, part of the orthodontic costs are reimbursed through the statutory health insurance. For adults, orthodontics is not covered by the statutory health insurance nor by dental insurance. Therefore, orthodontics for adults can be expensive. Other dental corrections, such as implants and prostheses, are covered by Dentalia Up. Unexpected dental costs due to an accident or cancer treatment are also reimbursed by dental insurance.
What types of braces are there for adults?
For adults, a traditional metal brace or an invisible or lingual brace is often chosen. Additionally, a retention or night brace is usually recommended.
Lingual Braces for Adults
The lingual brace is often chosen by adults who want to correct their teeth, as it is not visible.
What is a lingual brace?
A lingual brace is also known as an inside brace or an invisible brace. This type of traditional brace is placed behind the teeth so it is hidden. The brackets are custom-made to fit the teeth, and the wire is also customized.
How much does a lingual brace cost?
The price of a lingual brace varies depending on which orthodontist you go to. Many orthodontists are not contracted, meaning they can charge high professional fees. Therefore, it is difficult to assign a fixed price to the brace. Expect a cost between €4,000 and €7,000. In addition to the cost of the braces, you will also need to pay for check-ups.
How much is reimbursed?
For adults, the cost of a lingual brace is not covered. For children who start orthodontics before the age of 15, part of the orthodontic costs are reimbursed. Additionally, Helan customers receive a reimbursement of up to €1,050. This includes a 60% reimbursement for co-payments, supplements, and materials. This benefit applies to treatments starting from 01/01/2021.
For children under the age of 9, this is called 'early orthodontics'. Different rules apply for the reimbursement of orthodontic costs. On this page, you can read more about the difference between statutory reimbursement for early orthodontics and statutory reimbursement for regular orthodontics.
Are you insured with the dental insurance Dentalia Up? Then you get up to €2,200 reimbursed per treatment, on top of the reimbursements through statutory health insurance. The dental insurance covers 60% of the costs for braces, if you qualify for reimbursement through statutory health insurance. Braces for adults are not reimbursed by the dental insurance.
Note: Keep in mind the waiting period. There is a 12-month waiting period for orthodontics. We recommend that parents of young children join dental insurance early enough. This way, you are optimally insured when your child needs braces. If you add your child to the supplementary dental insurance Dentalia Up before their 5th birthday, they will receive the maximum reimbursement. Dental insurance is not mandatory, but it is a nice addition for braces, dental accidents, and dental problems.
Night Braces for Adults
After the braces have done their job, a night brace is recommended for a few more months to ensure that your teeth stay in place.
What is a night brace?
A night brace is a transparent plastic cover that you slide over your teeth. While you sleep, the night brace keeps your teeth and molars in the correct position. A night brace is therefore a 'retention brace,' which you wear for a period after your teeth have been corrected with another brace.
How much does a night brace cost?
The price of a night brace varies depending on which orthodontist you go to. A night brace is much cheaper than a fixed brace, such as traditional metal braces. Typically, a night brace costs between €100 and €300. In addition to the cost of the brace, you will also need to pay for check-ups. If you plan to start with braces, be sure to ask in advance what treatment you need and what the costs are. The night brace is usually the last step in an orthodontic treatment. You will first need to wear another (and more expensive) brace to position your teeth properly.
How much is reimbursed?
A night brace is not reimbursed by health insurance and is also not covered by dental insurance.
Important Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist
What type of braces do I need, and how much do they cost? These are two questions you should definitely ask your orthodontist. Make sure to go through the questions below with your orthodontist as well. This way, you’ll be well-prepared.
When should I come for check-ups?
A brace requires proper follow-up. Be sure to make the next appointment to check if everything is progressing well. It’s better to have too many check-ups than too few. Ask in advance how many check-ups you’ll need, so you can plan ahead.
How long do I need to wear braces?
How long the treatment lasts depends on a number of factors, such as the severity of the problem, body growth, and how motivated you are to cooperate properly. An early orthodontic treatment usually lasts from six months to one year. Regular orthodontics with traditional braces typically lasts about one and a half years.
You can also find information on the Association of Flemish Dentists about the average treatment duration. However, keep in mind that there is no definitive answer since every situation is different.
Would you like to learn more? In our free e-book, you can read more about orthodontics for young people.
What will my teeth look like with or without orthodontic treatment?
Is the procedure necessary? Or should you wait a little longer? Always ask if the treatment is needed and what would happen if it doesn’t take place. Also, ask about the expected outcome of the procedure. If you’re still unsure, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion.
Do you get more reimbursed for your braces with dental insurance?
The dental insurance Dentalia Up reimburses up to €2,200 per treatment for orthodontic costs for children and young people who start treatment before the age of 15. Braces for adults are not reimbursed by the dental insurance. Other dental corrections, such as implants and prostheses, are covered by Dentalia Up. Unexpected dental costs due to an accident or cancer treatment are reimbursed by the dental insurance.
We recommend that parents of young children join the dental insurance early enough. This way, you are optimally insured when your child needs braces. If you join Dentalia Up before your child turns 5, you will enjoy the maximum reimbursement.
Looking for an answer to your questions?
Do you have a question about the Dentalia Up dental insurance? We are happy to help. You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions on our FAQ page. You can also contact our customer advisors through various channels. Together, we will review your question or situation
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Helan Independent Health Insurance Fund is the insurance agent (n° CDZ 5006c) for ‘MLOZ Insurance’, the VMOB of Independent Health Insurance Funds, (Register of Legal Entities in Brussels, 422.189.629, recognised under no. CDZ 750/01 for branches 2 and 18). View the data sheet and the General Terms and Conditions. Belgian law applies to the insurance contract. The term of the contract is whole life. In the event of any complaint, contact the complaints department of Helan Health Insurance Fund or the insurance ombudsman. For more information about purchasing this/these product(s), please contact Helan Health Insurance Fund. Helan Onafhankelijk ziekenfonds, Boomsesteenweg 5, 2610 Wilrijk, 0411.696.011, RPR Antwerpen, www.helan.be.